It’s a hobby, it’s not a job. If it doesn’t bring you joy and requires to force yourself to do anything – don’t do it. We’ll be here whenever you feel like writing. Or posting pictures. Or… you’ll figure it out.

I agree with Undina 100%! Writer’s block is tough. I feel like we all go through it at some point and everyone understands when we do. Nothing wrong with resting, relaxing, and recharging your batteries! We will be here when you get back!

oooh, don’t call it writer’s block, call it “off blogging duty” or “holiday from blogging”. the nose needs some rest, and the brain needs fresh input and a relaxation 🙂 enjoy the great and unexpected summer days we are given!

I used to have a fragrance blog (In Swedish, “A Commenced Gross”) and when that blog started to become popular and got some media recognition, I found that my joy of writing just disappeared. For some reason, when I knew people were following it closely, that writer’s block appeared more easily. When I was clueless about it, I never thought twice about it and kept on writing.

Enjoy the summer with your family, dear B. Everyone else is slowing down too so please don’t worry. No one finds it easy to express themselves under the circumstances you’ve outlined above, so take the pressure off. We’ve all been there!

I agree with everything Undina said, too. No pressure from us lot – enjoy the summer and your boys, try not to pressure yourself, and we’ll be here when you feel like blogging again! Only do it when you feel like doing it! x

It’s summer. Go out and have some fun. The perfume samples will be there when you get back. Go eat some good meals, take some pictures, enjoy yourself. It’ll be cold soon enough. As others have said, well be here to read whenever you feel like writing.

I agree with all of the above comments. I think of your words as a gift that is always a surprise in it’s generosity. I have never expected any regularity or time schedule. When it appears, I revel in reading your words, no expectations. I think what Martin said about popularity and expectations and pressure, is probably true.

Heck Girl, It’s SUMMERTIME!!!!!!! Your kids are out of school, you aren’t stuck inside cause of snow, there is so much fun stuff to do!! So have a blast, kick up your heels, play with the boys and never for one second feel bad about not writing for us. Love to you and yours!!!

It sounds a little like the blues, if you’ll forgive me for saying so and being presumptuous. It’s just that I’ve been there and, often, it’s from exhaustion (especially mental fatigue) but sometimes, it’s just…. *there.* You can’t put your finger on it, and it almost makes it seem worse and heavier in a way as a result. I end up judging myself, if that makes any sense. To fix it, I usually retreat into a cocoon of all my favorite, comforting, small things, especially things that can be a little bit escapist. It often helps.

I hope something similar will help you because it’s no fun at all. I know you love to read, so perhaps a few more frivolously light, fun books can work some of their magic? Either way, putting expectations on yourself is often the worse thing you can do, so I’m glad you’re taking some time to recharge. I think the most important thing is to be kind to yourself and to give yourself a break. It’s actually a LOT harder than it seems — or, at least, it is for me. I hope none of this was too presumptuous as it was not my intent. If I’m off base with any of this, please accept my apologies. I truly hope you feel better soon.

When I am there (and I was not once) I log off and take a break from the family about half a day, and then I am going to a place with no expectations and do just nothing. Works wonders for me. Maybe worth a try.

It will pass. In the meantime get your mind off of it, go jewelry shopping!

Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?

Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues?

Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you’re getting fat and maybe it’s been raining too long, you’re just sad that’s all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you’re afraid and you don’t know what you’re afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?

Paul Varjak: Sure.

Holly Golightly: Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany’s. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that’d make me feel like Tiffany’s, then – then I’d buy some furniture and give the cat a name!

I know your boys are lovely but I have to repeat it each time I see their pictures. They are just too cute for words. 🙂
I can relate to your state. I can’t wait for the end of the month and my vacation, it’s the highlight of the whole year.
(plus, Asali is coming for a visit!) 🙂

The ever wise Undina put it so well higher up the comments, and as the long trail of good wishes tells you, everyone wants you to do what you feel like doing when the muse strikes you, and not ever to feel stressed or obligated. Enjoy the weather, and time off with the kids. I am trying to practise what I preach, though I do worry I am not blogging enough myself, haha! This is due to a constant pipeline of jobs which I should be glad of really, as I need the money to support my burgeoning paint habit, but I do understand how you feel. All bloggers should unite and stop feeling they are on a gravy train of posting, or a fixed schedule. It is a hobby, as Undina says. 😉

It is great to be earning again after such a dearth of work last year. And even though my projects seem to have switched to the phone, it is true that the money they generate could fund more travel, like the recent Paris trip. I do have Klopeiner See firmly in my sights for a return visit one day – I loved my hotel on the lake shore, mit Blick. Just hold the bendy clogs!

So many people are taking it slow right now, including me, it must be something in the water…or sunspots?? No worries, you’ve been so prolific lately, lots of great posts. I was feeling the guilts for not getting more work done, more speedily, when the Universe broke both my computer and my camera! And you know, I had a lovely week, and I took it as a sign to slow down before the onslaught of autumn and a new school year. Take time to percolate!

Slightly off-topic but possibly related, there was an excellent – and rather scary – blog post on Facebook and Twitter rewiring our brains, and how they make us hooked on dopamine, ruin our attention spans, potentially even compromising our real life relationships and all sorts. I could relate to a rather worrying amount of it, it must be said, and how that kind of information overload in cyberspace may contribute to feelings of mild anxiety – I know it does with me, and I have all but withdrawn from Twitter for that very reason.http://davidrainoshek.com/2013/06/how-facebook-fb-is-altering-your-mind-2/

Birgit, I know that feeling – and I have to laugh at myself, because I feel like it’s a chronic condition that each week leaves me wondering, “Can I really keep this going? Will this be the last time I blog? I’m all out of ideas!” But the perfume blogging community is such a lovely place to be (most days) that I think about my friendships and it motivates me to keep on keeping on, albeit at a snail’s pace.

Enjoy your summer and take Undina’s wise words to heart. Whether you post often or not, we’ll be here for you. You’ve made this an absolutely charming and friendly place to be, and I personally have found your blog all the more interesting and intimate over the past six months. As much as I love perfume, I actually tire of reading about it sometimes. I want to be reeled in by the wider world, as well as by people’s other more intimate loves and experiences. Your blog does that for me. ❤ ❤

Oh, Suzanne, you have no idea how much this comment helps me. To hear that you have similar feelings on the one hand, and to hear that a wider scope is interesting for you is very reassuring. Thank you, my dear friend.
xoxox

Birgit, i don’t know everyone here on this board very well,but what i have read so far is pretty awsome to me. I am so challenged to branch out of my comfort zone and spread my wings a bit. See what you and the others here have done in such a short time reading this blog! I have alot of reading to catch-up on. You on the other hand need that break, we are all on our own journey. Your doing what your sappose to do-take a break when you need it!

B! You brought so much joy and new perspectives in my/our lives through your whimsical and fresh reviews! Your audience and fans will certainly be there whenever you feel to write again, till then take a rest, breath, enjoy whatever seems enjoyable for yourself, and treat yourself like you would treat and advise your best friend!